Palmeiras sack coach Scolari

Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has been sacked by Brazilian top-flight club Palmeiras.

Written by Indo-Asian News Service

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Rio de Janeiro:

Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has been sacked by Brazilian top-flight club Palmeiras.

Scolari's fate was sealed after an emergency meeting of the club's board Thursday night, reports Xinhua.

The decision was taken after the side's 1-3 loss to Vasco da Gama Wednesday, a result that left Palmeiras second last in Brazil's Serie A standings and in danger of relegation for only the second time in the club's history.

"We have decided by mutual agreement to end the working contract between Luiz Felipe Scolari and the club," Palmeiras said in a statement.

"The club appreciates the wonderful service the coach has given Palmeiras. He is one of the greatest coaches in the club's history."

Scolari's sacking comes two months after the 63-year-old guided the club to the Copa do Brasil title, guaranteeing the team's place in next year's Copa Libertadores.

The 26-month spell was his second time in-charge of the club. He also led the club from 1997 to 2000 and was named South American coach of the year in 1999 after winning the Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores.

Palmeiras officials said the club was hoping to announce a replacement by early next week.